Israel Adesanya Shocks With Street Clash: Spitting, Challenging And Risky!

Adesanya opens up about a shocking road rage incident that almost turned into a brutal street fight! From racially charged insults to a daring spit in the face, this is a confrontation you won’t believe. Find out how the UFC champ almost lost it—and why he’s warning others not to push his limits!

A Heated Encounter on the Road

In September, former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya found himself in a tense road rage altercation that almost escalated into a physical fight. According to Adesanya, the incident began when a fellow motorist, apparently provoked by his presence, made racially charged comments and challenged him to a fight. Despite the heated exchange, Adesanya kept his composure, only retaliating by spitting before filing a formal complaint with the police. The situation did not escalate further, and no significant actions were taken from the report.

Adesanya Breaks Down the Incident

Speaking on the FLAGRANT podcast, Adesanya shared more about the bizarre confrontation. “This guy saw my car, doubled back, and was like, ‘Izzy, one outs!’” he recalled, explaining that in New Zealand slang, this means “a one-on-one fight.” Initially amused, the situation turned tense when the motorist blocked Adesanya’s car and tried to provoke him. Adesanya attempted to de-escalate, saying, “Bro, I fight for millions. I’m not going to knock your ass out for free.” The motorist, undeterred, insisted he fought “for the streets and pride,” which Adesanya dismissed as absurd.

Restraint Over Retaliation

The altercation reached a tipping point when Adesanya spat at the individual, daring him to act. “In the end, I realized if I drop this guy right now, they’re going to put me through the ringer,” Adesanya said, emphasizing his restraint. Though tempted to escalate, Adesanya reflected on the consequences of his actions and chose not to engage further. “If he spat back, then it’s on,” he added, noting that his self-control likely spared the aggressor from a worse outcome.

A Warning from “The Last Stylebender”

Adesanya ended by issuing a warning, mentioning his teammate Dan Hooker as someone who might have handled the situation differently. “Do that to Dan Hooker. Dan’s a beast and would probably act differently. Maybe not knock him out, but put him to sleep,” Adesanya remarked.

Focus Beyond the Incident

Adesanya, who most recently fought at UFC 305 in a loss to Dricus du Plessis, remains focused on his professional career. Despite his dislike for street fights, Adesanya made it clear: “If you bring the problem, I’m going to solve the problem.” This incident, though troubling, highlights the composed demeanor of a fighter who knows when to engage and when to walk away.